KUALA LUMPUR (8 April 2010)—Experience a new and exciting way to explore the world as National Geographic opens its first global retail store in Malaysia today. Located at Lot 10, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s most elite shopping district, the store will draw on National Geographic’s 122-year heritage of inspiring people to care about the planet. Set within approximately 5,000 square feet (450 square meters), the store features products and services in a constantly evolving and culturally inspired setting.

More than a traditional retail environment, the National Geographic Kuala Lumpur store welcomes visitors with compelling, interactive visual displays and state-of-the-art design dedicated to stimulating, educating and inspiring shoppers to celebrate global cultures. In addition to its retail marketplace, the store features an exhibition area, a pinchos café, a children’s area and a large library set.

The store offers public lectures from some of National Geographic’s most renowned explorers, authors and photographers, as well as free film screenings and other live events. The exhibition area displays a rotating showcase of curated exhibits, inspired by content from National Geographic’s international channels, magazines and mission-oriented projects, such as the Genographic Project that charts the migratory history of the human species.

Visitors can stop by the café to sample a selection of pinchos composed of slow food, organic, fair trade and other specialty items. They can also peruse National Geographic’s travel and cartographic library, try out apparel and accessories for their upcoming adventures, and enjoy a specifically designed area encouraging children to play while they learn.

The marketplace features a wide selection of National Geographic products, including its award-winning magazines, books and DVDs, as well as newly created products and unique, hand¬crafted items sourced from global artisans and not typically offered in Malaysia. The store’s key product lines include apparel, footwear, eyewear, stationery, maps, watches, home furnishings and children’s products.

Among the authentic and sustainable items on sale are locally sourced collectables from Africa, including custom jewellery and hand-stitched bags from Kenya.

The store also offers items designed for the rigors of adventures and exploration, from casual travel gear to expedition-quality apparel, including hi-tech waterproof bags and innovative, multi-layered apparel suitable for diverse climates and activities.

Eclectic furniture and home décor items featured in displays are available for purchase, including a variety of furniture pieces constructed of wood reclaimed from old furniture, buildings, bridges and railways. Sample furniture and home décor items include armchairs, tables, lamps and glassware, available in a variety of colours, textures and finishes.

National Geographic’s net proceeds support the Society’s exploration, conservation, research and education programmes.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programmes; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education programme promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Worldwide Retail Store SL
Worldwide Retail Store SL is working with the National Geographic Society to open a worldwide network of National Geographic-branded retail stores. The agreement grants WRS an exclusive retail license for National Geographic stores in 70 countries outside the United States, including flagship retail environments and shop-in-shop formats. Additional store openings are planned worldwide in 2010. Worldwide Retail Store SL is a holding company based in Barcelona (Spain), with a paid-up capital of 33 million EURO, owned by the executive management team and by Spanish investors Casagrande de Cartagena SL, Riofisa and Allegra Holding. For more information, visit worldwideretailstore.com.